Rhinoceros

Very few rhinos now survive outside protected areas

Common Name		Rhinoceros; Rhinocéros (Fr); Rinoceronte (Sp)
Location		Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, South Asia, South East Asia
Status		IUCN:From Near Threatened to Probably Extinct

Background

Rhinos once roamed throughout Eurasia and Africa, and were known to early Europeans who depicted them in cave paintings. Within historical times, rhinos were still widespread in the African savannas and the tropical forests of Asia.

Today however, very few rhinos now survive outside national parks and reserves.

Javan rhinos, Sumatran rhinos, and three subspecies of black rhino are listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN's (World Conservation Union) Red List, while the Indian rhino is classified as Endangered. A subspecies of Javan rhino, recently re-discovered in Viet Nam, and the northern subspecies of white rhino only survive as tiny remnant populations clinging to existence, while the fourth subspecies of black rhino is classified as Probably Extinct.

Some populations are increasing
There are success stories: the southern white rhino and the Indian rhino are thriving in well-protected sanctuaries, and their numbers are increasing. Indeed, southern white rhinos were once thought to be extinct, but are now classified as Near Threatened. Black rhinos, too, have increased during the past ten years, but total numbers are still a fraction of what they were fifty years ago

WWF tackling threats from all angles
WWF is one of the few organizations attempting to tackle these threats from all angles: strengthening protected areas in Africa and Asia, lobbying to halt the illegal timber trade, and stamping out the illegal trade in horn.

Physical Description

Rhinoceroses are universally recognized because of their massive bodies, stumpy legs and either one or two dermal horns. In some species, these may be short or altogether not obvious.

Although not inclined to approaching humans, rhinos may exhibit bursts of aggressiveness. Fortunately for their enemies, their poor eyesight prevents them from making targeted attacks. Their sense of smell and hearing however is well developed.

Dung deposited by rhinos marks their territory. During the day the species may rest several kilometers from their waterholes under dense cover, and only in the evening, through the night, and in the early morning do they become active. Rhinos are known to sleep both standing and lying on the ground and are fond of wallowing in muddy pools and sandy river-beds.

Habitat

Biogeographic realm
Afro-tropical, Indo-Malayan

Geographical Location
Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, South Asia, South East Asia

Interesting Facts

The rhino often receives very high priority regarding marketing for regional and national economic growth and sustainable development. The potential for tourism development is realized faster when rhinos are introduced due to their status in the tourism industry - thus creating job opportunities and providing tangible benefits to local people.

In almost all rhino conservation areas, there are other valuable plants and animals. While protecting rhinos, other species such as elephant, buffalo, predators and small game are often also conserved.

Egrets and other birds can be found with rhinos, feeding on the species external parasites.